Passionate for Christ

 “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “When the apostles understood what was happening, they were mortified and tore their clothes as a sign of dismay. They rushed into the crowd and shouted, “People, what are you doing? We’re only weak human beings like everyone else. This is why we’ve come to tell you the good news, so that you would turn away from these worthless myths and turn to the living God. He is the Creator of all things: the earth, the heavens, the sea, and everything they contain.”  There were more than twelve apostles who were recognised by the Church.  Barnabas is described multiple times as an apostle.  Paul said that apostles and prophets minister and equip the Body of Christ until we are complete and restored into Christ’s fullness.  Preaching the Gospel is about exalting Jesus Christ as the Living God.  People follow other humans to give them importance and give them exaltation rather than - only Christ.  Otherwise the propensity is to exalt a denomination or pastor or church.  But as Paul and Barnabas passionately avoided such actions and only exalted the Living God Who made heaven and earth and sea and all things that are therein.  Let’s passionately love Jesus and glorify only Him.  Amen!

Saved from the Wrath of God by Christ’s Sacrifice

 “In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “They pour into the streets wearing sackcloth. In public and in private, they fall down sobbing.”  This was a prophecy of judgment on Moab, an enemy of the people of God.  Today, in the new covenant, Jesus has borne the judgment on all humanity at the Cross of Calvary and whoever believes in Him becomes a child of God and judgment has passed over from all believers.  This is the Gospel and it is the only power that saves us.  We are no longer enemies of God, living in rebellion, but we are the people of God, His children - sons and daughters - simply by faith in the Blood Sacrifice of Jesus. Paul was given this revelation, “Much more then, having now been justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”  The only way we are saved from the wrath of God is by being justified by the Blood of Jesus.  Let’s give this good news, this Gospel to everyone we meet.  Amen!

Co-Labouring as God’s Sons & Daughters in Christ

 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “While they were worshiping as priests before the Lord in prayer and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “I have called Barnabas and Saul to do an important work for Me.  Now, release them to go and fulfill it.”  Here we see the Church was praying as priests to perform the work of the Lord. For the Lord of the harvest, the Holy Spirit, was sending out labourers into the harvest field. The Holy Spirit speaks in many different ways.  Perhaps He spoke a prophecy through one of the prophets in the Church, or a divine voice may have interrupted their worship.  God’s Spirit still speaks today in any way He chooses.  The true Church, the Church that is prepared to be the Bride of Christ, still speaks today, knowing and experiencing the Holy Spirit move powerfully and doing the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  Let’s move as led by the Spirit of God as sons and daughters of the living God to co-labour with Him to fulfil His work.  Amen!

Jesus Christ is Lord

 “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven and exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will rule on the mountain of the congregation, on the highest place of the sacred mountain. I will rise past the tops of the clouds and rival the Most High God!’ Yet down to the underworld you go— into the depths of the pit!”  Although this was spoken to the king of Babylon but it is speaking of the fall of Lucifer to becoming satan.  This created being was closest to the Presence of God, but his attitude caused his fall.  When he spoke in his heart that he will ascend and exalt his throne above the stars of God, that he will rule on the highest place of the sacred mountain, that he will rival the Most High God, he thought God wouldn’t know what was in his heart.  He chose his free will to make these decisions and took a third of angels with him when he fell.  Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”  In our culture today there are many who imagine themselves to be gods and take worship from fellow humans.  The end of such is torment forever and ever, that has not been experienced by any.  All those in rebellion against the sovereignty of the True and Living Most High God and who do not have the fear of God in them, will end in this sad way for eternity.  Let those who have Jesus Christ as their Lord and the Light of the Glorious Gospel in them preach it fervently in these end times.  Amen!

The Reality of the Spiritual Realm for Believers in Christ

 “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬, ‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “when all at once an angel of the Lord appeared, filling his prison cell with a brilliant light. The angel struck Peter on the side to awaken him and said, “Hurry up! Let’s go!” Instantly the chains fell off his wrists. 23 Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, an infestation of worms, because he accepted the people’s worship and didn’t give the glory to God, and he died.”  The angel of the Lord here is as a rescuer from God to Peter who is persecuted for preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This same word “struck” is the word used for Jesus being “struck” for our sins.  Jesus had spoken this to His disciples, “Along the way Jesus said to them, “Before the night is over, you will all desert Me.  This will fulfill the prophecy of the Scripture that says: I will strike down the shepherd and all the sheep will scatter far and wide!”  Jesus was pierced in His side to awaken hearts to God.  Peter was awakened from his sleep by the angel of the Lord who struck him on his side.  In the second instance, the angel of the Lord as an executioner brought God’s judgment on Herod who had persecuted the church and accepted worship due to God alone and did not give glory to God.  May the persecuted Church of today be awakened to the angels of God in the reality of the spiritual realm sent by God as ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation.  Amen!

Fight the Good Fight

 “The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Listen! A thunderous noise is heard on the mountain, like that of a massive multitude. Listen! Kingdoms are in an uproar; nations are assembling together. The almighty Lord Yahweh is mustering an army for war. They are coming from a faraway land, from the end of the heavens. Here comes Yahweh with His instruments of judgment, ready to ravage the entire earth.”  This was a prophesy Isaiah spoke against Babylon which happened some years later. In our time, it is for the Church to awake as Joel said, “Blow the shofar in Zion, sound the alarm on My mountain of holiness! Shake the people awake, for the day of Yahweh is coming. Yes, it is almost here.”  Paul also warns us of “the unveiling of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His messengers of power within a flame of fire. He will bring perfect and full justice to those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to embrace the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, banished from the Lord’s Presence and from the manifestation of His glorious power. This will happen on that day when He glorifies His holy ones, and they will be marveled at in all those who believed—including you, since in fact, you believed our message.”  Even Jude says, “He comes to execute judgment against them all and to convict each one of them for their ungodly deeds and for all the terrible words that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”  The heavenly sons and daughters of God are also consecrated, mighty ones and warriors, who rejoice in Christ’s triumphant victory.  Today let’s fight the good fight of faith in our spiritual warfare for victory, to God’s glory.  Amen!

Called Christians - To Whom Supernatural Revelation Comes

 “and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬ ‭KJV‬

Dr. Luke records, “Together Saul and Barnabas ministered there for a full year, equipping the growing church and teaching the vast number of new converts. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first revealed as “anointed ones”.  The meaning in Greek of Christians is “supernaturally revealed” which is much more than “called”. Supernatural revelation is to be valued by mankind because the God Who created mankind is supernatural and when He gives revelation, we must be honoured to receive it.  Jesus Christ became human, died and rose again and through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, we are now those anointed ones to whom supernatural revelation comes and we are privileged to receive it.  It is exclusive and not for the rest of the world who don’t believe.  God called us and simply through faith we become not only the called, but the chosen and the faithful.  As John the Revelator saw, “the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings! Those who are with Him will also conquer them, and they are called ‘chosen ones’ and ‘faithful ones.’”  Let’s be privileged that we are recipients of supernatural revelation which is sacrosanct!  How glorious, how awesome is our God that He chooses to impart to us supernatural revelation of the mysteries of the glorious Gospel and that we are called Christians.  Amen!

Drinking with Joy the Water of Life

 “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “With triumphant joy you will drink deeply from the wells of salvation.”  These wells or springs or fountains are never ending because this Water of Life represents the Jesus Life in us.  That’s what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “If you drink from Jacob’s well, you’ll be thirsty again, but if anyone drinks the Living Water I give them, they will never be thirsty again. For when you drink the Water I give you, it becomes a gushing Fountain of the Holy Spirit, flooding you with endless Life!”  John the beloved disciple saw this revelation “For the Lamb at the center of the Throne continuously shepherds them unto Life —guiding them to the Everlasting Fountain of the Water of Life”.  Today, every born again, born of the Spirit son and daughter of God, is a Living Well of Salvation, that container which brings the Water of Life to others.  Amen!

The Power of the Gospel all Across the World

 “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dr. Luke records, “So he instructed them to be baptized in the power of the Name of Jesus, the Anointed One. After their baptism, they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more days.”  At last the Gospel broke through and penetrated into the non-Jewish cultures and people groups.  The Holy Spirit is now uniting Jewish believers and non-Jewish believers into one mystical Body of Christ on the earth.  Because of this, there would no longer be a distinction between Jew and non-Jew, but one family of believers formed by faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul got this revelation that we have all become true children of God by faith in Jesus Christ! Faith immersed us into Christ, and now we are covered and clothed with His life and we no longer see each other in our former state—Jew or non-Jew, rich or poor, male or female—because we’re all one through our union with Jesus Christ. And if we belong to Christ, then we are now Abraham’s “child” and a true heir of all his blessings because of the promise God made to Abraham!  The three conversions of: the Ethiopian (a descendant of Ham), Saul of Tarsus (Shem’s descendant) and Cornelius (Japheth’s descendant) - all the sons of Noah - they prove of the power of the Gospel of Christ our God - all were converted.  Still the Gospel’s power is the same today because our God is the same unchanging God.  People are coming to Christ among the Jews, in the Middle East, the Americans, the Chinese, the Africans, in India and all continents on the globe to the glory of God.  Amen!

The Spirit of Yahweh

 “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “the Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon Him, the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom, the Spirit of Perfect Understanding, the Spirit of Wise Strategy, the Spirit of Mighty Power, the Spirit of Revelation, and the Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh.”  The Spirit of Yahweh is the Spirit of prophecy, the manifest Presence of God resting upon the Lord Jesus.  John the Baptist witnessed it, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him.”  The Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom brings skilfulness and equipping ability and wisdom for judicial decisions, creativity in music, art, business, writing and such which Paul prayed for churches, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”. The Spirit of Perfect Understanding is that of intelligent insight imparting the ability to discern the truth, decipher parables and allegories, the meaning of riddles and puzzling dreams - the anointing of this was on Joseph and Daniel.  The Spirit of Wise Strategy is that of guidance, counsel, advice or purpose and is the anointing that imparts wisdom and counsel needed for spiritual leadership.  The Spirit of Mighty Power is what ensures our victory to overcome the enemy who accuses us all the time by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  The Spirit of Revelation is the knowledge that comes from experiencing intimacy with God.  The Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh, is the absolute loyalty and obedience, reverence, wonder and awe that we have to our God that makes us shine with His Light.  The same Spirit of Yahweh is on us who have received our Pentecost.  Amen!